To further develop some of the analysis presented in introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics modules by providing students with both a theoretical and practical knowledge of intermediate level microeconomics and macroeconomics. The concepts of production and cost theory along with market structure analysis are extended, this involves a development of the principles of pricing, allocation of the factors of production and Game Theory. Other elements of the module provides the necessary microeconomic foundation for the analysis of labour markets and modern concepts in sustainability economics. The module presents a variety of economic policy issues shaping national and international economies, whilst evaluating the connection between monetary policy, fiscal policy and aggregate demand in an economy. There is also a focus on the trade-off between unemployment and inflation. By the end of the module, students will gain an insight into a number of key macro models, their relative strengths and weaknesses, and their policy implications. Finally, concepts in behavioural economics are explored.

The syllabus is designed to present key concepts and theoretical elements of micro- and macro- economics at intermediate level, as well as, examining empirical evidence relevant to policymaking in the contemporary global economic environment. 1) Theory of Production and Costs in the firm including Isoquant/Isocost analysis 2) Models of Imperfect Competitive Market Structures and Game Theory 3) Factor Markets - Labour/Wage determination 4) Sustainability Economics 5) Monetary and Fiscal Policy influencing Aggregate Demand - Theory of Liquidity Preference, ECB, Crowding-Out effects and Stabilization Policy 6) Trade-off between Inflation and Unemployment - The Phillips Curve and Inflation Targeting 7) Examining key measures of the performance of the Irish Economy within an EU / Euro Area context 8) Heterodox Theories/Behavioural Economics

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1) Determine cost and pricing structures that underlie firms' production decision-making 2) Identify equilibrium in competitive factor markets 3) Analyse how firms may adjust their production processes to advance sustainability considerations 4) Explain how aggregate variables behave, such as inflation and unemployment 5) Demonstrate an understanding of how Governments and the ECB can influence such aggregate variables 6) Recognise and report on the importance of key concepts in Informational and Behavioural Economics.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: 1) Justify how economic frameworks and economic constructs can be applied to real life problems and economic decision-making 2) Appreciate the complexities that underlie an examination of sustainability in business, from an economist's perspective.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: N/A

This module is delivered using interactive lectures and tutorials. Lectures focus on relating theory to real world micro- and macro- economic problems and deepening students' understanding and interpretation of economic decision-making and/or policy-making. Using published economic data/research, the module will draw on contemporary economic events and relevant policy developments to extend students' understanding. Student learning experiences will be gauged through the use of problem-sets, readings and feedback. Tutorials are dedicated to providing students with a platform for greater discussion of the module content, as well as, guiding students to complete the relevant problem-sets. The University of Limerick's Graduate Attributes will be developed by students' regular engagement with specified module problem-sets that promote problem-solving skills and will evoke students' curiosity in corresponding aspects of the module content. An emphasis on students being agile will be fostered through course instruction and assessment mechanisms that require critical engagement in the application of a range of independent research sources. Broadening students' responsibility to convey and apply sustainability concepts will form a core part of module assessment requirements.